Depends on the opponent, really. Just so you don't misunderstand me, it's not a classic "wait mode", it merely lowers the overall tempo down. I myself prefer FF XIII to be as fast paced and hectic as possible, it often makes for some tense, exciting and genuinely challenging battles, even against some minor opponents. And if you think there's no tactic in it at all you're gravely mistaken, you are required to constantly change your paradigms, prior to and during the battle. Minor mistakes can be costly, I found myself dying in this game more than in any other FF, FFV excluded. XIII's battle system is in my opinion its best feature.